BMW made suspension adjustments...
BMW made suspension adjustments easy and obvious: if you can count to 10 you should be able to handle it.
A fatter fork generally makes for a more stable front end, and the S1000's stout 46mm legs help substantiate the notion. Compared to the standard 43mm size of its competitors the S1000 has a leg up, and it proves it with a very planted front tire. Though it doesn't exactly feel feathery light like Honda's CBR1000RR, it's not heavy either. Yet, the front sticks like it should and remains neutral whether it's a 120 mph sweeper or a 20 mph hairpin. Coming down from 130 mph power wheelies (that's right, it'll power wheelie in fourth gear!) there's no headshake to speak of, which is good to know because the front tire likes to spend a fair amount of time floating. Apparently there is actually a "wheelie control" built into the traction control, but it's easy enough to bypass it (just give it more gas).
Like all top-level race bikes, the S1000 offers a load of adjustments for the track that experienced riders will appreciate. The front ride height can be altered by 10mm, something typically only seen on aftermarket set ups. The same is true in the rear with adjustable ride height as well as an adjustable swingarm pivot. On the street these aren't really significant, but for riders chasing the perfect suspension setting on the track they're imperative.
The ABS is optional, but either...
The ABS is optional, but either way the brakes come with enough power to stop a Greyhound stuffed with America's Biggest Losers. Note that the rotor is mounted directly to the wheel to save the weight over a standard carrier.
BMW opted not to slap on a set of pre-existing wheels and instead came up with its own cast aluminum design. The ten thin spokes offer the look of aftermarket race wheels, and with the burly Brembo calipers nestled in front it's obvious this bike means business. Good luck finding another liter bike (in this price range) with a front end that looks this aggressive.
Those Brembos do more than just look cool however. They did a damn fine job of bringing the bike back to reality after a 175 mph front straight frenzy. Regardless of whether the ABS is activated or not-the brakes are stronger than you are brave. The beauty of the ABS is that you can push braking markers deeper and deeper without the fear of the rear wheel coming up to meet your head. As you squeeze harder, the brakes seem to find grip instead of simply hoisting you into a rolling stoppie. It's a simple case of regulating grip versus slip, and the BMW handles it perfectly.
And just when you think you've finally pushed it too far, you find yourself exiting the corner still in one piece.
Looks Can Be Deceiving
Why did BMW try so hard to look different when it came to the asymmetrical bodywork? Actually, it was the result of being efficient. David Robb, BMW's VP of Motorcycle Design, explained that the funky headlights are the result of saving weight. The cool endurance racer look was simply the end result. Additionally, the "shark gill" right side fairing was originally meant to be totally smooth, but the wind tunnel determined that it needed the small slits to keep it stable. Meanwhile, the left side has a larger and more traditional hole simply to allow the radiator fan to expel hot air more efficiently.
Robb's scribble on the back of a business card showed how BMW's approach to the body design was for fast, flowing lines (B.) instead of the traditional sportbike approach (A.), and it seems to work-the bike looks fast even standing still.
See, there's a method to the madness.